Sherwin-Williams Gossamer Veil (SW 9165): Paint Review

At first glance, Gossamer Veil looks like just another light gray, but once it’s on the wall, it reveals way more personality. I’ve been there, trying to find that one color that won’t turn green, look purple, or feel icy once the sun hits.

That’s why I put this guide together: to help you decide if Sherwin-Williams Gossamer Veil is the right warm gray for your space.

I’ll walk you through how it looks in real rooms, how it compares to other popular grays, and what colors and finishes pair best with it. You’ll also get sampling tips, buying options, and brand equivalents. Let’s take a closer look.

Getting to Know Sherwin-Williams Gossamer Veil

Gossamer Veil (SW 9165, #D3CEC4) is a soft, warm gray from the Sherwin-Williams Neutral Paint Colors Collection. It sits somewhere between light greige and soft taupe, making it a favorite for those who want a modern neutral with a hint of warmth.

Basic Color Profile

HEX code: #D3CEC4

LRV (Light Reflectance Value): 62

Color family: Warm gray / greige

This color lives in the “just-right” zone, not too light, not too dark, not too beige, and not too gray. That balance makes it ideal for open floor plans and cohesive whole-home palettes.

Undertones Explained

Gossamer Veil has warm taupe undertones, with a slight hint of green or beige depending on the light.

• In natural daylight, it leans warm and soft, especially in south- or west-facing rooms.
• In shadowed or north-facing spaces, it can take on a muted, slightly greige tone.

One of the reasons it’s so popular is that the undertones are subtle but flexible; they rarely shift too hard in one direction, making it easy to work with.

Gossamer Veil in Real Spaces

This shade is neutral enough to be used almost anywhere but still adds character. Here’s what you can expect when using it:

How It Looks in Different Rooms

Kitchens

Gossamer Veil is a top pick for kitchen walls or cabinets. It softens white counters and pairs well with brushed nickel, wood tones, and stainless steel. It reads as warm but not beige—perfect for transitional kitchen designs.

Bathrooms

This color gives bathrooms a gentle, spa-like vibe. It looks clean against white tile and marble, and doesn’t feel too cold or sterile like some grays. In small bathrooms with no natural light, it may lean a touch more beige.

Living Rooms

Gossamer Veil works beautifully in living rooms. It’s neutral enough to blend with most styles and creates a calm backdrop without washing everything out. It looks especially good with layered textures and soft woods.

Bedrooms

If you’re after a cozy, neutral bedroom, Gossamer Veil is a strong contender. It pairs well with white, greige, and dusty pastels. The soft taupe warmth keeps it from feeling too cool or too dark.

How Lighting Affects It

Gossamer Veil has an LRV of 62, which means it reflects a good amount of light while still providing noticeable depth and contrast.

North-facing rooms: The light is cool and indirect, making Gossamer Veil look more muted and slightly gray-taupe, especially in early morning or cloudy conditions.

South-facing rooms: These rooms receive steady, warm light all day, so Gossamer Veil appears softer, warmer, and sometimes leans toward a light beige tone.

East-facing rooms: Morning light brings out its creamy side, making it look fresh and bright, though it may gray down in the afternoon.

West-facing rooms: The warm afternoon sun enhances its richness, giving it a slightly deeper, cozier feel compared to other lighting orientations.

Gossamer Veil vs. Other Sherwin-Williams Grays

Sherwin-Williams has no shortage of warm neutrals. Here’s how Gossamer Veil stacks up against some popular options.

Gossamer Veil vs. Agreeable Gray

Agreeable Gray (SW 7029, #D1CBC1) is one of the most used greiges in the Sherwin-Williams catalog.

• Agreeable Gray is warmer and more beige.
• Gossamer Veil is lighter and slightly cooler.

Pick Agreeable Gray for cozy, traditional spaces. Choose Gossamer Veil for lighter, modern interiors.

Gossamer Veil vs. Repose Gray

Repose Gray (SW 7015, #CCC9C0) leans slightly cool and has a violet undertone.

• Repose Gray feels grayer and more modern.
• Gossamer Veil is warmer and softer in most rooms.

Repose Gray works well with crisp whites and cool tones. Gossamer Veil is more versatile for warmer decor.

Gossamer Veil vs. Drift of Mist

Drift of Mist (SW 9166, #DCD8D0) is the next shade lighter in the same color strip.

• Drift of Mist is cooler and closer to an off-white.
• Gossamer Veil offers more depth and body.

Use Drift of Mist when you want a brighter backdrop. Gossamer Veil works better if you want some contrast.

Gossamer Veil vs. Alpaca

Alpaca (SW 7022, #CCC5BD) is a warm greige with a noticeable violet-pink undertone.

• Alpaca can sometimes flash purple in cool light.
• Gossamer Veil is more balanced and easier to pair.

Choose Alpaca if your palette includes rosy or mauve tones. Stick with Gossamer Veil if you want a flexible neutral.

Undertone and LRV Comparison Table

Paint Color	Undertones	LRV	Warm or Cool
Gossamer Veil	Taupe, beige-gray	62	Warm
Agreeable Gray	Beige-gray	60	Warm
Repose Gray	Gray, violet	58	Cool
Drift of Mist	Gray, green-taupe	69	Neutral-Cool
Alpaca	Greige, violet	57	Warm

Sample all of them before deciding. Undertones may seem close on a chip but shift a lot on your wall.

Best Color Pairings for Gossamer Veil

This soft greige can either blend in or stand out depending on how you pair it. Here’s what works best:

Trim and Ceiling Suggestions

Pure White (SW 7005, #EDECE6): Crisp, bright white adds a clean, modern edge with minimal competing undertones.

Alabaster (SW 7008, #EDEAE0): A soft, warm white that complements Gossamer Veil’s gentle warmth without overpowering it.

Greek Villa (SW 7551, #F0ECE2): Offers a creamy contrast, adding depth and a cozy, classic look to the room.

Flat ceilings, satin or semi-gloss trim, the standard combo will make Gossamer Veil feel polished and intentional.

Accent Wall and Furniture Colors

To stay calm and cozy: Try soft sage, warm greige, creamy whites, or dusty blush.

For contrast and depth: Go with navy, charcoal, olive, or black accents.

Gossamer Veil works best with wood tones, linen textures, and natural elements. Add interest with woven baskets, matte pottery, or layered textiles.

Hardware and Flooring Compatibility

This color works well with brushed brass or gold for added warmth, or black hardware if you want contrast in a modern or farmhouse space.

Polished nickel is another safe choice, offering a clean, classic look in kitchens and bathrooms.

For flooring, light oak or ash keeps things bright and open, while medium-tone woods like walnut add warmth and depth in bathrooms and kitchens. Beige, taupe, or greige stone tile pairs naturally with this shade.

Paint Finish Recommendations

The right finish will depend on the room’s use and your lighting. Here’s a breakdown:

Matte: Best for ceilings and quiet bedrooms. It absorbs light, hides surface flaws well, but scuffs easily and isn’t great for messy or high-traffic areas.

Eggshell: A balanced finish for living rooms or hallways. It has a soft sheen that resists minor dirt and adds just enough light reflection without looking shiny.

Satin: Perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, or kids’ spaces. It’s durable, easy to wipe down, and highlights Gossamer Veil’s warmth under both natural and artificial lighting.

Semi-Gloss: Great for doors, cabinets, and trim. It’s highly washable, durable, and gives the paint a crisp edge with a noticeable but not overpowering shine.

High-Gloss: Use for bold furniture or statement accents. Super reflective and dramatic, but every flaw or brushstroke will stand out without perfect prep and application

Test multiple finishes on your wall to see which makes the color feel just right.

Sampling and Buying Options

Where to Get Peel-and-Stick Samples

• Samplize: Real Sherwin-Williams paint on repositionable adhesive paper.
• Sherwin-Williams stores: Offer paint chips and sample pots.
• Local hardware stores: May offer small custom samples or color matching.

Apply samples to multiple walls and check them in natural and artificial light. It makes all the difference.

Where to Buy the Paint

• Sherwin-Williams.com: Order online or check for in-store pickup.
• Sherwin-Williams retail locations: Carry all finishes and sample tools.
• Authorized paint retailers: Some hardware stores carry Sherwin-Williams or offer color matching.

Tip: Watch for seasonal 30–40% off sales; great time to grab gallons.

Paint Equivalents in Other Brands

Looking for a close match in another brand? These are similar:

• Benjamin Moore: Try Edgecomb Gray (HC-173, #DAD1C4) or Balboa Mist (OC-27, #DAD5CC)
• Behr: Check out Silver Drop (790C-2, #DCD8CF)or Wheat Bread (720C-3, #CBC3B8)
• Valspar: Look at Filtered Shade (4003-1B, #CDCBC4) or Gravity (4005-1B, #C7C9C8)

They’ll be close, but you should sample first. Even small shifts in undertone or finish can make a difference.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a warm gray that feels soft, modern, and easy to style, Sherwin-Williams Gossamer Veil is worth considering.

Now you know how it looks in different rooms, how it stacks up against similar colors, and which finishes, hardware, and pairings work best.

Before you commit, grab a sample and test it at home. That’s the best way to see if it brings the right warmth and balance to your space.

Looking for more paint options? I’ve got more guides just like this one on the website. Check them out before you open a can.